WASHINGTON: FBI agents have arrested a Volkswagen executive on conspiracy charges in relation to the ‘dieselgate’ emissions-cheating scandal, The New York Times reported Monday.
Agents arrested Oliver Schmidt, who led the German automaker’s US regulatory compliance office from 2014 to March 2015, in Florida on Saturday, the newspaper reported, citing two unnamed sources with knowledge of the arrest.
Volkswagen has admitted to installing software on as many as 11 million diesel vehicles sold worldwide to circumvent tests for emissions while enabling them to release up to 40 times the permitted amounts of nitrogen oxides during actual driving.
According to The New York Times, lawsuits filed against Volkswagen by the states of New York and Massachusetts accuse Schmidt of playing a key role in Volkswagen’s efforts to conceal its emissions cheating from US regulators.
“It would not be appropriate to comment on any ongoing investigation or to discuss personnel matters,” a VW spokesman in Germany told AFP.
“Volkswagen continues to cooperate with the Department of Justice as we work to resolve remaining matters in the US.”
Schmidt is expected to be arraigned Monday in Detroit, the Times said.
Herbert Diess, the head of the Volkswagen brand of cars, was asked late Sunday ahead of the annual Detroit autoshow about VW engineers reportedly going to jail for their role in the affair, and of executives fearful that they could be arrested if they travel to the United States.
“I can’t comment,” Diess said. “I am here at least.”
Volkswagen has long pledged to cooperate with US authorities to resolve the ‘dieselgate’ case.
The NYT reported on Friday that VW was close to agreeing a $2.0 billion fine with the Department of Justice over the scandal.
US arrests VW executive on fraud charges: Report
US arrests VW executive on fraud charges: Report
King Abdulaziz Airport among world’s busiest after record-breaking 2025
RIYADH: King Abdulaziz International Airport has achieved a new historical milestone, reaching 53.4 million passengers in a single year.
This is the highest number ever recorded at a Saudi airport since the beginning of air travel in the Kingdom, placing it among the world’s mega airports in terms of passenger traffic, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The airport handled a total of 310,000 flights and 60.4 million bags, representing a 12 percent increase compared to 2024. It also handled 9.57 million Zamzam water containers and 2,968 cargo flights.
This achievement reflects the airport’s qualitative transformation and its position as a regional hub and national gateway connecting the Kingdom to the world. It also highlights its role in facilitating the movement of visitors and pilgrims, promoting tourism in line with the goals of Vision 2030, diversifying the economy, and providing a distinguished travel experience.
For his part, CEO of Jeddah Airports Co. Mazen Johar, affirmed that reaching 53.4 million passengers confirms the airport’s high operational readiness and represents a pivotal milestone for moving to the next phase, in preparation for doubling this number, God willing, in the coming years.
He pointed out that this national achievement would not have been possible without the grace of God Almighty, followed by the directives of the wise leadership and the continuous follow-up from the minister of transport and logistics, the president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and the CEO of Airports Holding Co.
He explained that King Abdulaziz International Airport is strengthening its position as a major aviation hub in the region through expansions, increased capacity, and improved services, supporting the objectives of the aviation program and aligning with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The CEO of Jeddah Airports Co. expressed his gratitude to the partners in success from various government and private sectors for their fruitful cooperation through a collaborative work system that contributed to providing the best services.
